Illyes

Illyes is a surname of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the given name Illyés, which itself is a Hungarian form of the name Elijah. As such, the surname Illyes is patronymic, indicating descent from a person named Illyés. The name Elijah has Hebrew roots, meaning "Yahweh is my God."

The Illyes surname is most commonly found in Hungary and among Hungarian diaspora communities worldwide. Its prevalence is moderate, not among the most common Hungarian surnames, but still recognizable.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Illyes include Gyula Illyés, a prominent 20th-century Hungarian poet, novelist, and essayist. His literary works often explored themes of Hungarian peasant life, national identity, and social justice. His contributions significantly shaped modern Hungarian literature. Other individuals named Illyes may be found in various fields, contributing to diverse areas of society.

The distribution of the surname Illyes reflects historical patterns of Hungarian migration. Families with this name have settled in countries with significant Hungarian populations, such as the United States, Canada, Romania, and Slovakia. Genealogical research can trace the lineage of Illyes families, often revealing connections to specific regions within Hungary. The surname's existence points to a historical presence of individuals named Illyés and their descendants.